Jesus was very clear that we are called to love God and to love our neighbors, and throughout his ministry he taught and demonstrated what it looks like to love our neighbors. Over the five weeks leading up to the election, Herndon UMC invites you to explore how loving one another is the foundation for living the Golden Rule and treating others as we want to be treated.
In an increasingly polarized world, embracing the Golden Rule can help us find ways to demonstrate love to all those whom we encounter, our families, our friends, our neighbors, and particularly those with whom we differ, breaking down barriers and making our communities look more like the Kingdom of God.
There are a number of ways to participate, choose any and all that suit who and where you are today.
Living the Golden Rule by Loving Your Neighbor (5-week Devotional)
This five-week daily devotion guide explores how loving one another is the foundation for living the Golden Rule an treating others as we want to be treated. Each week offers a new focus: Testify to Love, Finding Common Ground, Love is the Way, A Sheep or a Goat? and Religion and Politics. Each devotion includes scriptures, contexting, reflection questions and a prayer. The guide may be used by individuals as a personal devotion or by groups who can go deeper into conversations about the scripture readings and reflection questions.
Download the full devotion guide here: Living the Golden Rule by Loving Your Neighbor
You may also follow along as portions are shared on Herndon UMC’s Facebook and Instagram accounts.
30 Acts of Kindness in 30 Days (Challenge)
Let’s spread kindness throughout our communities! Take the challenge to complete at least one act of kindness each day for the next 30 days. This list of small ways you can positively impact those around you can get you started, but feel free to be creative and come up with your own acts of kindness! Kindness is a ripple effect — encourage others to join the challenge by sharing your acts on social media! #dountoothers #herndonumc
Download the checklist with 30 suggestions: 30 Acts of Kindness Challenge
Do Unto Others (Study)
Join the Pathfinders class on Sunday mornings as they explore this 4-week curriculum, Cultivating Kindness. This small group study has been created to complement the Do Unto Others kindness campaign! The hope is that you send a message to your community that kindness is the most important behavior we can exhibit as we seek to de-polarize our communities and love our neighbors.
In this study, small groups will explore the scriptural call to bless others, and wrestle with what this looks like in our day-to-day lives. Specifically, we’ll look at why we struggle so much with loving our neighbors, and how the complexity of the world can challenge our most basic assumptions. All the while, we’ll explore how to engage with people both inside the congregation and outside our church on a journey toward practicing the Bible’s great love ethic: “Do unto others as you would have them do to you.” (Matthew 7:12)
Overview
• Week 1 – Calling: The call of Abraham and Sarah.
• Week 2 – Fear: The universal experience of fear.
• Week 3 – Gospel: Jesus teaches us how to love others within and beyond our walls.
• Week 4 – Church: Intentionality in the life of the Church.
All are welcome! Hope to see you there!
Worship & Fellowship Dinner | Oct 16
The meditation will reflect on this emphasis on kindness. Dinner will be sponsored by the friends of the Herndon UMC Endowment. More information to come.
Election Eve Communion Service | Nov 4
Gather as a united community on the eve of the upcoming election. Share in Holy Communion. All are welcome at the Lord’s table. The service will be held at 7 pm in the Sanctuary.